Marking device for piping

Abstract

To provide a marking device for piping that can make marking on a position whose distance from a pipe end of a pipe to be connected is surely secured.SOLUTION: A marking device for piping, which applies a predetermined first mark onto a predetermined position on an outer peripheral surface of a pipe to be connected, comprises a cylindrical case with a bottom into which the pipe to be connected is slidably fitted, and an L-shaped arm whose bent part is pivotally supported turnably in a plane that is parallel to an axis direction of the case by a support part erected from the case toward outside in a radial direction. One end of the arm is arranged inside the case through a hole formed in the case, and a first marker that applies the first mark is mounted on the other end of the arm. When the pipe to be connected is inserted into the case by a predetermined depth so that a tip of the pipe to be connected pushes one end of the arm, the arm turns and then the first marker contacts the predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe to be connected protruding from an opening part at the opposite side of the bottom part of the case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a marking device for pipes. [Background technology]

[0002] When connecting piping, it is necessary to properly set the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc., so it is customary to mark the outer surface of the connected pipe with a mark (for example, a line mark, etc.) indicating the proper insertion depth. If the mark is properly marked, the worker can visually check that the end of the fitting, etc. and the mark are in a predetermined positional relationship (for example, that they are aligned, etc.) during construction, and can then confirm that the connected pipe has been inserted with the proper insertion depth before performing fastening work such as crimping or screwing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 52-139591) discloses a tool that engages a stopper (projection) provided at one end of a scale with the pipe end of the connectable pipe and applies insertion guide lines (line marks) to the outer surface of the connectable pipe using a marking pen attached to a predetermined position on the other end of the scale. Also, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-57788) discloses (as prior art) a tool that draws two line marks by rotating the connectable pipe while the end of the connectable pipe to be connected to a pipe fitting is abutted against a butt gauge.

[0004] However, in all of the above conventional techniques, if the engagement between the connected pipe and the scale and the abutment state of the connected pipe against the gauge are not correct, the position at which the line mark is applied on the outer surface of the connected pipe (the distance from the pipe end) will also be incorrect. Thus, in this technical field, there is a need for a drawing tool that can reliably apply line marks in the correct position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 52-139591 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-57788 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, there is a need in the art for a drawing tool that can reliably apply line marks at appropriate positions. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a pipe marking device that can mark at a position that reliably ensures a distance from the end of the pipe to be connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, after extensive research, the inventors discovered that the above problem can be solved by pressing one end of the arm with the tip of the connected pipe properly inserted into a bottomed cylindrical case, causing the arm to rotate and abutting the marker attached to the other end of the arm at a predetermined position on the outer surface of the connected pipe.

[0008] Specifically, the piping marking device of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "device of the present invention") is a piping marking device that applies a first mark, which is a predetermined mark, to a first marking position, which is a position on the outer surface of the connected pipe that is a first distance away from the end face of the connected pipe.

[0009] The device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical case with a bottom into which the connected pipe is slidably inserted, and an L-shaped arm whose bending portion is supported by a support portion extending radially outward from the case so as to be rotatable within a plane parallel to the axial direction of the case.

[0010] One end of the arm is disposed inside the case through a hole provided in the case, and a first marker, which is a means for applying a first mark, is attached to the other end of the arm.

[0011] In addition, the device of the present invention is configured so that when the connected pipe is inserted into the case to a predetermined depth and the tip of the connected pipe presses the above-mentioned one end of the arm, the arm rotates and a marking state is achieved in which the first marker abuts against a first marking position on the outer surface of the connected pipe protruding from the opening at the end opposite the bottom of the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] As described above, the device of the present invention is configured such that when a pipe to be connected is inserted into the case to a predetermined depth and the tip of the pipe presses one end of the arm, the arm rotates and the first marker attached to the other end of the arm abuts the first marking position on the outer surface of the pipe. Therefore, the device of the present invention can mark a position that reliably ensures a distance from the end of the pipe. That is, the dimensions of the arm are set so that the first marker can contact the outer surface of the pipe only when the pipe to be connected is properly inserted into the case (i.e., the appropriate insertion depth is ensured). Therefore, if the pipe to be connected is not properly inserted into the case (i.e., the appropriate insertion depth is not ensured), for example, due to insufficient insertion, the first marker cannot contact (mark) the outer surface of the pipe to be connected. As a result, problems such as human installation errors can be reduced.

[0013] Other objects, other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention which will be given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pipe marking device (first device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device including an ink pad as a first marker. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first device illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the inside of a case included in a first device, as viewed from an opening at an end opposite to the bottom. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device according to Modification 1-1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device according to Modification 1-3. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device according to Modification 1-4. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a pipe marking device (second device) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second device having ink pads as a first marker and a second marker. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second device illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second device according to Modification 2-1. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second device according to Modification 2-2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] First Embodiment A pipe marking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as "first device") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] The first device is a piping marking device that applies a first mark, which is a predetermined mark, to a first marking position on the outer surface of the connected pipe, which is a first distance away from the end face of the connected pipe.

[0017] As described at the beginning of this specification, when connecting piping, it is necessary to properly set the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc., and therefore it is customary to mark the outer surface of the connected pipe with a mark (for example, a line mark, etc.) indicating the proper insertion depth. If the mark is properly marked, during construction, the worker can visually check that the end of the fitting, etc. and the mark are in a predetermined positional relationship (for example, that they are aligned), and can then confirm that the connected pipe has been inserted with the proper insertion depth before performing fastening work such as crimping or screwing. The first mark marked on the outer surface of the connected pipe by the first system corresponds to such a mark.

[0018] The first device comprises a cylindrical case with a bottom into which the connected pipe is slidably inserted, and an L-shaped arm whose bending portion is supported by a support portion extending radially outward from the case so as to be rotatable within a plane parallel to the axial direction of the case.

[0019] That is, the case of the first device has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connection pipe, to the extent that the connection pipe can be inserted axially through an opening at the end opposite the bottom of the case and the inserted connection pipe can rotate about its axis inside the case. As will be described later, the first device is configured so that one end of an arm disposed inside the case is pushed and rotated by the tip of the connection pipe inserted inside the case, so that the other end of the arm approaches the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe protruding from the opening of the case outside the case. Therefore, the arm of the first device has a generally L-shaped shape consisting of a portion extending from a bent portion (a pivot shaft inserted through) pivotally supported by the support portion toward the one end disposed inside the case, and a portion extending from the bent portion toward the other end disposed outside the case.

[0020] As described above, one end of the arm is disposed inside the case through a hole provided in the case, and the other end of the arm is attached with a first marker, which is a means for applying a first mark.

[0021] As described above, the first mark is a mark applied to the outer surface of the pipe to be connected for the purpose of checking whether the insertion depth of the pipe to be connected into the fitting and / or equipment is appropriate during pipe connection work. The nature of the first mark is not particularly limited as long as this purpose can be achieved. For example, the first mark may be a circular line mark (circle) applied around the entire outer surface of the pipe to be connected, a line mark as a line segment (arc) having a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the pipe to be connected, a graphic having such a line segment as one side, or a dot-shaped mark applied at one or more locations on the outer surface of the pipe to be connected.

[0022] Furthermore, when the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. needs to be a predetermined appropriate angle, a first mark may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe to enable confirmation of whether the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. is the predetermined appropriate angle. Such a first mark may be, for example, a mark provided at a predetermined position on the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe that faces a mark provided separately on the end of the fitting, etc. only when the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. is the predetermined appropriate angle. Such a mark corresponding to the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. and the first mark corresponding to the insertion allowance of the connected pipe described above may be provided separately or integrally.

[0023] The first marker is not particularly limited as long as it can apply the above-described first mark to the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe. For example, the first marker may be a pen such as a felt-tip pen, a felt-tip pen, or a ballpoint pen that applies ink supplied to the tip to an object, or an ink pad such as an ink pad or a sponge soaked in ink that applies ink to an object by stamping.

[0024] In addition, as described above, the first device is configured such that when the connectable pipe is inserted to a predetermined depth into the case and the tip of the connectable pipe presses against the one end of the arm, the arm rotates and the other end of the arm approaches the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe protruding from the opening of the case outside the case, thereby achieving a marking state in which the first marker abuts against a first marking position on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe protruding from the opening at the end opposite the bottom of the case.

[0025] The first marking position is a position where a first mark should be provided on the outer surface of the connected pipe for the purpose of checking whether the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc. is appropriate during piping connection construction, as described above. Specific examples of such a position include, but are not limited to, a position that overlaps with the end position of the fitting, etc., or a position a predetermined distance away from the end position of the fitting, etc., when the insertion depth of the connected pipe is appropriate.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device having the above-described configuration. The first device 101a shown in Fig. 1 is a piping marking device that applies a first mark, which is a predetermined mark, at a first marking position, which is a position on the outer surface of a connected pipe that is a predetermined first distance from the end face of the connected pipe.

[0027] Fig. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a case 110 included in the first device 101a. As illustrated in Fig. 1(a), the case 110 is a cylindrical case with a bottom into which a connected pipe (not shown) is slidably inserted, and includes a support part 111 that stands outward in the radial direction from the case 110. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 1(b), the arm 120 included in the first device 101a is an L-shaped member.

[0028] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a first device 101a including the case 110 and the arm 120 configured as described above. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the arm 120 is pivotally supported at a bending portion 121 by a support portion 111 provided on the case 110 so as to be rotatable within a plane parallel to the axial direction of the case 110 (see the double-headed arrow drawn by a thick black solid line). One end 122 of the arm 120 is disposed inside the case 110 through a hole provided in the case 110. Furthermore, a felt-tip pen is attached to the other end 123 of the arm 120 as a first marker 124, which is a means for applying a first mark. In FIG. 1C, in order to clearly show the positional relationship between the case 110 and the arm 120 in the first device 101a, both the case 110 and the arm 120 are drawn by solid lines, even at the overlapping portions. However, the connection pipe 200 that is inserted into the case 110 is depicted by a broken line.

[0029] 1, first marker 124 is attached to other end 123 of arm 120 by fitting a felt-tip pen as first marker 124 into a hole provided in other end 123 of arm 120. However, the means for attaching first marker 124 to other end 123 of arm 120 is not particularly limited as long as first marker 124 can abut against the first marking position on the outer circumferential surface of connectable pipe 200 in the marking state described above and apply the first mark. For example, first marker 124 may be fixed to arm 120 by a fastening member such as a band, or a hole provided in other end 123 of arm 120 may have a thread cut into its inner circumferential surface, and first marker 124 or a member for holding first marker 124 having a corresponding thread cut into its outer circumferential surface may be screwed into the hole. From the viewpoint of properly abutting the first marker 124 against the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe 200 in the marking state, it is preferable that the means for attaching the first marker 124 to the other end 123 of the arm 120 is capable of adjusting, for example, the position at which the first marker 124 is fixed (e.g., the height from the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe 200) and / or the angle, etc.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first device 101a illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, reference numerals are omitted for some of the components constituting the first device 101a in order to clearly and concisely illustrate the operation of the first device 101a. However, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 will also be used in the following description, so please refer to FIG. 1 as needed. Also, in FIG. 2, similar to FIG. 1(c), in order to clearly show the positional relationship between the case 110 and the arm 120 in the first device 101a, the case 110 and the arm 120 are drawn with solid lines, even at the overlapping portion. However, the connection pipe 200 inserted into the case 110 is drawn with dashed lines.

[0031] 2(a), in first device 101a, connectable pipe 200 is inserted a predetermined depth into case 110 (see the outline arrow), and one end 122 of arm 120 is pressed by the tip of connectable pipe 200. This causes arm 120 to rotate (see the arrow drawn with a thick black solid line), and the other end 133 of arm 120 approaches the outer peripheral surface of connectable pipe 200 protruding from an opening at the end opposite the bottom of case 110, outside of case 110. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2(b), a felt-tip pen as first marker 124 comes into contact with a first marking position on the outer peripheral surface of connectable pipe 200 protruding from the opening of case 110. That is, the above-mentioned marking state is achieved, and a first mark is applied by the first marker 124 to the first marking position P1, which is a position on the outer surface of the connected pipe 200 that is a predetermined distance D1 away from the end face of the connected pipe 200.

[0032] As described above, the nature of the first mark is not particularly limited as long as it is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe 200 and can be used as a mark for an operator to check whether the insertion depth of the connectable pipe 200 into a fitting and / or equipment, etc. is appropriate when connecting piping. For example, by relatively rotating (revolving) the first device 101a and the connectable pipe 200 through 360° or more around the axis of the case 110 while maintaining the above-mentioned marking state (see the gray arrow drawn in (b) of FIG. 2), a circular line mark (circle) provided around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe 200 can be used as the first mark.

[0033] Furthermore, by relatively rotating the first device 101a and the connectable pipe 200 around the axis of the case 110 through a predetermined angle less than 360° while maintaining the marking state, a line segment (arc) having a predetermined length on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 can be used as the first mark. Alternatively, a dot-shaped mark applied at one location on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 can be used as the first mark without relatively rotating the first device 101a and the connectable pipe 200 in the marking state. Alternatively, a plurality of dot-shaped marks arranged at predetermined locations on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 (e.g., arranged in the circumferential direction) may also be used as the first mark. These types of first marks can be applied to the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 using a pen such as a felt-tip pen or a ballpoint pen as the first marker 124, but as described above, the first marker 124 is not limited to a pen.

[0034] FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a first device having an ink pad, such as an ink pad that applies ink to an object by stamping or an ink-soaked sponge, as a first marker. In FIG. 3A, portions that cannot be observed from the outside, such as the portion on one end 122 of the arm 120 inserted inside the case 110, are depicted by dashed lines. FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first device 101b shown in FIG. 3A, taken along a plane passing through the axis of the case 110 and the arm 120. In FIG. 3B, similar to FIGS. 1C and 2, the case 110 and the arm 120 are depicted by solid lines even at overlapping portions in order to clearly show the positional relationship between them in the first device 101b.

[0035] Furthermore, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first device 101b illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, similar to FIGS. 1(c) and 2, the case 110 and the arm 120 in the first device 101b are depicted with solid lines, even at the overlapping portions, in order to clearly illustrate the positional relationship between them. However, the connection pipe 200 inserted into the case 110 is depicted with dashed lines. Note that, similar to FIG. 2, in FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numerals are omitted for some of the components constituting the first device 101b in order to clearly and concisely illustrate the configuration and operation of the first device 101b. However, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 will also be used in the following description, so please refer to FIG. 1 as needed.

[0036] 3, first device 101b has a configuration similar to that of first device 101a illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that, instead of a pen that applies ink supplied to the pen tip to an object, first device 101b includes an ink pad that applies ink to an object by stamping as first marker 124. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 4(a), first device 101b, like first device 101a, is configured such that connectable tube 200 is inserted a predetermined depth into case 110 (see the hollow arrow), and one end 122 of arm 120 is pressed by the tip of connectable tube 200. This causes arm 120 to rotate (see the arrow drawn with a thick black solid line), and outside case 110, other end 133 of arm 120 approaches the outer peripheral surface of connectable tube 200 protruding from an opening at the end of case 110 opposite the bottom. 4(b), the ink pad serving as the first marker 124 comes into contact with the first marking position on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable tube 200 protruding from the opening of the case 110. In other words, the marking state described above is achieved, and the first mark is provided by the first marker 124 at the first marking position P1 on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable tube 200, which is a predetermined first distance D1 away from the end face of the connectable tube 200.

[0037] In the first device 101b having the above configuration, similarly to the first device 101a, for example, by relatively rotating (revolving) the first device 101a and the connectable pipe 200 around the axis of the case 110 by a sufficient angle while maintaining the marking state (see the gray arrow in FIG. 4(b)), a circular line mark (circle) provided around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 can be used as the first mark. Furthermore, in the first device 101b, the first marker 124 is configured by an ink pad having a stamping surface in the shape of a line segment (arc) having a predetermined length. Therefore, simply by achieving the marking state without relatively rotating the first device 101b and the connectable pipe 200, a line segment (arc) having a predetermined length on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 can be used as the first mark. Furthermore, by changing the shape of the stamping surface of the ink pad serving as the first marker 124, a first mark having a desired shape, such as a figure having various shapes or one or more dot-shaped marks, can be applied to the outer surface of the connected pipe.

[0038] As described above, the first device is configured such that when the connectable pipe is inserted into the case to a predetermined depth and the tip of the connectable pipe presses one end of the arm, the arm rotates and the first marker attached to the other end of the arm abuts against the first marking position on the outer surface of the connectable pipe. Therefore, the first device can mark a position that reliably ensures a distance from the end of the connectable pipe. That is, the dimensions of the arm are set so that the first marker can contact the outer surface of the connectable pipe only when the connectable pipe is properly inserted into the case (i.e., the appropriate insertion distance is ensured). Therefore, when the connectable pipe is not properly inserted into the case (i.e., the appropriate insertion distance is not ensured), for example, due to insufficient insertion, the first marker cannot contact (mark) the outer surface of the connectable pipe. As a result, problems such as human installation errors can be reduced.

[0039] 1 to 4, each of the cases 110 provided in the first devices 101a and 101b includes a locking portion 112, which is an annular member fitted around the periphery of the opening at the end opposite the bottom. The locking portion 112 is a useful part for properly gripping the case 110, for example, by hooking it with a fingertip when inserting the connectable pipe 200 through the opening of the case 110 and / or when rotating (revolving) the first device 101a or 101b and the connectable pipe 200 relatively around the axis of the case 110. However, the locking portion 112 is not an essential component of the first device.

[0040] 1 and 3, the first devices 101a and 101b are provided with guide portions 113. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the interior of case 110 included in first device 101a, as viewed from an opening at the end opposite the bottom. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, guide portions 113 protrude from the bottom of case 110 so as to sandwich the trajectory along which one end 122 of arm 120 moves within case 110 as arm 120 rotates, and so as not to interfere with connectable pipe 200 inserted into case 110. Therefore, one end 122 of arm 120, which moves within case 110 as arm 120 rotates, comes into contact with and slides against guide portions 113, thereby allowing one end 122 of arm 120 to appropriately move along a desired trajectory within case 110 as arm 120 rotates. However, the guide portion 113 is also not an essential component of the first device.

[0041] 1, 3, and 5, first devices 101a and 101b are provided with a receiving portion 125 at one end 122 of arm 120, at a portion that is inserted into case 110. Receiving portion 125 is a member for receiving connectable pipe 200 that is inserted into case 110, and may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. By at least partially abutting connectable pipe 200 that is inserted into case 110 with receiving portion 125, connectable pipe 200 can be more reliably positioned at a predetermined position inside case 110. However, receiving portion 125 is also not an essential component of the first device.

[0042] In addition to the above, there are various modifications of the first device, which will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0043] <Variation 1-1> The first device according to Variation 1-1 further includes a separation biasing means for rotatably biasing the arm so that the first marker moves away from the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe. The specific configuration of the separation biasing means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of rotatably biasing the arm so that the first marker moves away from the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe. For example, the separation biasing means may be formed of an elastic member interposed between the bottom surface of the interior of the case and the arm or between the outer circumferential surface of the case and the arm. In this case, the elastic member may be, for example, a compression coil spring or a leaf spring. Alternatively, the separation biasing means may be formed of a torsion spring arranged to wrap around the rotation axis of the arm, which is supported by a support portion of the case.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device according to Modification 1-1. In first device 101c shown in Fig. 6, separation biasing means 301 is configured by a compression coil spring interposed between a portion of one end 122 of arm 120 inserted inside case 110 and the bottom surface of case 110.

[0045] With the above configuration, before connectable pipe 200 is inserted into case 110 and presses against the portion of arm 120 on one end 122 side inserted into case 110, the portion of arm 120 on one end 122 side is separated from the bottom surface of case 110 by compression coil spring serving as separation biasing means 301. Therefore, even if connectable pipe 200 has begun to be inserted into case 110, first marker 124 cannot reach the outer peripheral surface of connectable pipe 200 until connectable pipe 200 has fully pressed against the bottom surface of case 110 on one end 122 side of arm 120.

[0046] That is, in first device 101c, the above-described marking state is achieved and the first mark is provided on the outer circumferential surface of connectable pipe 200 only when connectable pipe 200 is inserted into case 110 with an appropriate insertion depth. Therefore, with the first device according to modification 1-1, marking can be reliably performed at a position where the distance from the pipe end of the connectable pipe is reliably guaranteed.

[0047] <Variation 1-2> The first device according to Modification 1-2 further includes a rotation operation means that is provided on the case and is operated by a user of the first device to manually rotate the connection pipe and the case relative to each other around the axis of the case. The specific configuration of the rotation operation means is not particularly limited as long as it can be operated by the user of the first device to manually rotate the connection pipe and the case relative to each other around the axis of the case. For example, the rotation operation means may be configured as a handle attached to the outer circumferential surface or bottom surface of the case, and the handle may be rotatably attached to the case to facilitate the user's rotation operation. Furthermore, a speed reduction (power multiplier) mechanism such as a planetary gear may be incorporated between the handle and the case to further facilitate the user's rotation operation.

[0048] 1 to 5 and 6 each include a handle attached to the bottom surface of the case 110 as rotation operation means 302. That is, each of the first devices 101a, 101b and 101c illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 6 includes the features of the first device according to Modification 1-2. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the handle as rotation operation means 302 included in each of these first devices is attached to the bottom surface of the case 110 via a spherical joint 302j formed by a spherical convex portion 302p and a spherical concave portion 302r, making it easy for the user to perform a rotation operation.

[0049] <Variation 1-3> The first device according to Variation 1-3 further includes a rotation limiting member that limits the rotation range of the arm to establish a predetermined positional relationship between the tip of the first marker and the first marking position in the marking state. The specific configuration of the rotation limiting member is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to establish a predetermined positional relationship between the tip of the first marker and the first marking position in the marking state by limiting the rotation range of the arm. For example, the rotation limiting member may be a buffer member that is sandwiched between the outer surface of the case and the arm or between the bottom surface of the interior of the case and the arm in the marking state to prevent the distance between the marking portion of the first marker (e.g., the pen tip or the surface of the ink pad) and the outer surface of the connected pipe from becoming excessively small. Examples of such a buffer member include rubber and low-resilience foam.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device according to Modification 1-3. In first device 101d shown in Fig. 7, rotation limiting means 303 is configured by a rubber block attached to a surface facing the outer circumferential surface of case 110 at a portion of other end 123 of arm 120 located outside case 110 in the marking state. However, the position at which rotation limiting means 303 is attached is not limited to the above, and for example, it may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of case 110 facing the portion of other end 123 of arm 120 located outside case 110 in the marking state.

[0051] With the above configuration, even if the connectable tube 200 is pushed excessively into the case 110 when the marking state is achieved, the first marker 124 is pressed excessively against the outer surface of the connectable tube 200, reducing the risk of the marking portion of the first marker 124 (for example, the pen tip or the surface of the ink pad) being deformed or damaged, or the position at which the first mark is applied being shifted from its original position due to bending of the arm 120, etc.

[0052] <Variation 1-4> The first device according to Modifications 1-4 further includes a marking detection means for detecting whether the marking state has been achieved. The specific configuration of the marking detection means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of detecting whether the marking state has been achieved. For example, the marking detection means may be a sensor capable of detecting whether the connectable pipe has been inserted to a predetermined depth into the case so that the first marker abuts against the first marking position on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe protruding from the opening of the case in the above-described marking state. Examples of such sensors include a proximity sensor, a limit switch, or a microswitch.

[0053] Furthermore, the marking detection means may be configured to store data including information corresponding to the result of determining whether or not the marking state has been achieved based on signals output from sensors such as those described above in a data storage device (e.g., an IC tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag or a microcomputer) provided in the marking detection means, or to transmit the data to an external recording device (e.g., a memory provided in another computer) via wired or wireless communication means.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first device according to Modification 1-4. In first device 101e shown in Fig. 8, marking detection means 304 is made up of proximity sensor 304s disposed on the bottom of case 110 and microcomputer 304c that receives and records a signal output from proximity sensor 304s. Signals are transmitted from proximity sensor 304s to microcomputer 304c (see the arrow drawn with a dashed line) via communication means provided in each of them.

[0055] With the above configuration, first device 101e can detect whether or not connectable pipe 200 (not shown) has been inserted to a predetermined depth into case 110 so that first marker 124 abuts against the first marking position on the outer circumferential surface of connectable pipe 200 (not shown) protruding from the opening of case 110 during marking. Therefore, according to the first device of Modification 1-4, marking can be reliably performed at a position that reliably ensures the distance from the end of the connectable pipe. Furthermore, data regarding the quality of the marking state obtained as described above can be used as a construction record for the piping composed of the target connectable pipe.

[0056] The first device according to the modified example may simultaneously have two or more of the configurations that characterize each of the first devices according to the above-described modified examples 1-1 to 1-4. In other words, the first device according to the modified example may further include at least one means selected from the group consisting of a separation biasing means, a rotation operating means, a rotation restricting means, and a marking detecting means.

[0057] Second Embodiment A pipe marking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "second device") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0058] As described above, the first device is configured such that when the connectable pipe is inserted to a predetermined depth into the case and the tip of the connectable pipe presses one end of the arm, the arm rotates and the first marker attached to the other end of the arm abuts against the first marking position on the outer surface of the connectable pipe. Therefore, the first device can mark at a position that reliably ensures the distance from the pipe end of the connectable pipe, thereby reducing the risk of the first mark being applied in an inappropriate position that is deviated from the original first marking position due to a marking error.

[0059] However, even if the first mark is properly provided at the original first marking position, there are cases where a connected pipe is misused, for example, with the first mark provided at an inappropriate position corresponding to connection with a connection object having different specifications (for example, a fitting and / or equipment, etc.) Even if the first mark is provided at an inappropriate position that is shifted from the original first marking position, if the connected pipe is inserted into the socket portion with an inappropriate insertion amount during installation, the shift of the first mark from the original marking position may be offset by the inappropriate insertion amount, and it may be erroneously determined that the first mark is properly provided at the marking position.

[0060] Therefore, the second device is a piping marking device that is the above-mentioned first device, but in addition to the first marker, a second marker is attached to the other end of the arm. The second marker is a means for applying a second mark, which is a predetermined mark, at a second marking position, which is a predetermined position away from the end face of the connected pipe by a second distance, which is a predetermined distance different from the first distance, in the axial direction of the case.

[0061] Like the first mark described above, the second mark is a mark applied to the outer surface of the pipe to be connected for the purpose of checking whether the insertion depth of the pipe to be connected into the fitting and / or equipment is appropriate during pipe connection construction. The nature of the second mark is not particularly limited as long as this purpose can be achieved. For example, like the first mark described above, the second mark may be a circular line mark (circle) applied around the entire outer surface of the pipe to be connected, a line mark as a line segment (arc) having a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the pipe to be connected, a figure having such a line segment as one side, or a dot-shaped mark applied at one or more locations on the outer surface of the pipe to be connected. Furthermore, the first mark and the second mark may be the same type of mark or different types of marks.

[0062] Furthermore, when the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc., needs to be a predetermined appropriate angle as described above, the second mark may have a function of enabling confirmation of whether the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. is the predetermined appropriate angle, instead of or in addition to the first mark. Similar to the first mark described above, such a second mark may be, for example, a mark provided at a predetermined position on the outer surface of the connected pipe that faces a mark provided separately on the end of the fitting, etc., only when the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. is the predetermined appropriate angle. The mark corresponding to the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc., and the second mark corresponding to the insertion allowance of the connected pipe described above may be provided separately or integrally.

[0063] Like the first marker described above, the second marker is also not particularly limited as long as it is capable of applying the second mark described above to the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe. Like the first marker described above, the second marker may be, for example, a pen such as a felt-tip pen, felt-tip pen, or ballpoint pen that applies ink supplied to the pen tip to an object, or an ink pad such as an ink pad or a sponge soaked in ink that applies ink to an object by stamping. Furthermore, the first marker and the second marker may be the same type of marker or different types of markers.

[0064] Furthermore, the second device is configured such that in a marking state in which the connectable pipe is inserted into the case to a predetermined depth and the tip of the connectable pipe presses the one end of the arm to rotate the arm so that the first marker abuts at a first marking position on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe protruding from the opening at the end opposite the bottom of the case, the second marker abuts at a second marking position. Thus, in the second device, in the marking state, the first marker abuts at the first marking position and the second marker abuts at the second marking position. That is, when the above-described marking state is achieved, the first marker applies a first mark at the first marking position on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe, which is a predetermined first distance D1 from the end face of the connectable pipe, and the second marker applies a second mark at the second marking position on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe, which is a predetermined second distance from the end face of the connectable pipe.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of the second device having the above-described configuration. In FIG. 9, as in FIG. 2, reference numerals are omitted for some of the components constituting the second device 102a in order to clearly and concisely illustrate the configuration and operation of the second device 101b. However, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 will also be used in the following description, so please refer to FIG. 1 as necessary. Also in FIG. 9, as in FIG. 2, in order to clearly show the positional relationship between the case 110 and the arm 120 in the second device 102a, the case 110 and the arm 120 are drawn with solid lines, even at the overlapping portions. However, the connection pipe 200 inserted into the case 110 is drawn with dashed lines.

[0066] 9 has the same configuration as first device 101a illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that second marker 126 is attached to other end 123 of arm 120 in addition to first marker 124. Second marker 126 is a means for applying a second mark, which is a predetermined mark, at second marking position P2, which is a predetermined position away from the end face of connectable pipe 200 by second distance D2, which is a predetermined distance different from first distance D1, in the axial direction of case 110. In second device 102a illustrated in FIG. 9, first marker 124 and second marker 126 are attached to other end 123 of arm 120 by fitting two felt-tip pens, serving as first marker 124 and second marker 126, respectively, into two holes provided in other end 123 of arm 120. However, as described in the explanation of the first device, the means for attaching the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 to the other end 123 of the arm 120 is not particularly limited, as long as the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 can abut against the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2, respectively, on the outer surface of the connected pipe 200 in the above-mentioned marking state, thereby applying the first mark and the second mark.

[0067] 9(a), in second device 102a, similarly to first device 101a, connectable pipe 200 is inserted a predetermined depth into case 110 (see the outline arrow), and one end 122 of arm 120 is pressed by the tip of connectable pipe 200. This causes arm 120 to rotate (see the thick black solid arrow), and the other end 133 of arm 120 approaches the outer peripheral surface of connectable pipe 200 protruding from an opening at the end opposite the bottom of case 110 outside of case 110. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(b), two felt-tip pens serving as first marker 124 and second marker 126 come into contact with first marking position P1 and second marking position P2, respectively, on the outer peripheral surface of connectable pipe 200 protruding from the opening of case 110. That is, the above-mentioned marking state is achieved, and the first mark and the second mark are respectively provided by the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 at the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2, which are positions on the outer surface of the connected pipe 200 that are a predetermined distance away from the end face of the connected pipe 200, that is, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2.

[0068] As described above, the nature of the first mark and the second mark is not particularly limited as long as they are applied to the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe 200 and can be used as marks for an operator to check whether the insertion depth of the connectable pipe 200 into a fitting and / or equipment, etc., is appropriate when connecting the piping. For example, by relatively rotating (revolving) the second device 102a and the connectable pipe 200 through 360° or more around the axis of the case 110 while maintaining the above-mentioned marking state (see the gray arrow drawn in (b) of Figure 9), the first mark and the second mark can be a Japanese circular line mark (circle) applied around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe 200.

[0069] Furthermore, by relatively rotating the second device 102a and the connectable pipe 200 around the axis of the case 110 through a predetermined angle less than 360° while maintaining the marking state, two line segments (arcs) having a predetermined length on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 can be used as the first and second marks. Alternatively, two dot-shaped marks provided at two locations on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 can be used as the first and second marks without relatively rotating the second device 102a and the connectable pipe 200 in the marking state. Furthermore, the first and second marks may be multiple dot-shaped marks arranged at different predetermined locations on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 (e.g., arranged in the circumferential direction). These first and second marks can be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connectable pipe 200 using pens such as felt-tip pens or ballpoint pens as the first and second markers 124 and 126. However, as described above, the first and second markers 124 and 126 are not limited to pens.

[0070] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a second device having two ink pads, such as an ink pad for applying ink to an object by stamping or a sponge soaked in ink, as a first marker and a second marker. In FIG. 10(a), portions that cannot be observed from the outside, such as the portion on one end 122 of the arm 120 inserted inside the case 110, are depicted by dashed lines. Meanwhile, FIG. 10(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second device 102b shown in FIG. 10(a) taken along a plane passing through the axis of the case 110 and the arm 120. Note that in FIG. 10(b), as in FIG. 9, the case 110 and the arm 120 in the first device 101b are depicted by solid lines, even at overlapping portions, in order to clearly show the positional relationship between them.

[0071] Furthermore, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second device 102b illustrated in FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, as in FIG. 9, the case 110 and the arm 120 in the second device 102b are depicted with solid lines, even at the overlapping portions, in order to clearly illustrate the positional relationship between them. However, the connection pipe 200 inserted into the case 110 is depicted with dashed lines. In addition, as in FIG. 9, in FIGS. 10 and 11, reference numerals are omitted for some of the components constituting the second device 102b in order to clearly and concisely illustrate the configuration and operation of the second device 102b. However, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 will also be used in the following description, so please refer to FIG. 1 as needed.

[0072] As illustrated in Fig. 10, second device 102b has a similar configuration to second device 102a illustrated in Fig. 9, except that, instead of a pen that applies ink supplied to the pen tip to an object, second device 102b is provided with two ink pads that apply ink to an object by stamping as first marker 124 and second marker 126. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 11(a), second device 102b, like second device 102a, has connectable tube 200 inserted to a predetermined depth into case 110 (see the open arrow), and one end 122 of arm 120 is pressed by the tip of connectable tube 200.

[0073] As described above, the arm 120 rotates (refer to the arrow drawn by the thick black solid line), and the other end 133 of the arm 120 approaches the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 200 protruding from the opening at the end opposite to the bottom of the case 110 outside the case 110. As a result, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 11, two ink pads as the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 abut on the first marking position on the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 200 protruding from the opening of the case 110. That is, the above-described marking state is achieved, and the first mark is applied by the first marker 124 at the first marking position P1, which is a position separated from the end surface of the connection pipe 200 by a first distance D1, which is a predetermined distance, on the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 200, and the second mark is applied by the second marker 126 at the second marking position P2, which is a position separated from the end surface of the connection pipe 200 by a second distance D2, which is a predetermined distance.

[0074] In addition, in the second device 102a illustrated in FIG. 9, the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 are arranged such that the second marker 126 abuts on a position farther from the end surface on the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 200 than the first marker 124. That is, the second distance D2, which is the distance between the end surface of the connection pipe 200 and the second marking position P2, is larger than the first distance D1, which is the distance between the end surface of the connection pipe 200 and the first marking position P1 (D1 < D2). On the other hand, in the second device 102b illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 are arranged such that the second marker 126 abuts on a position closer to the end surface on the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 200 than the first marker 124. That is, the second distance D2, which is the distance between the end surface of the connection pipe 200 and the second marking position P2, is smaller than the first distance D1, which is the distance between the end surface of the connection pipe 200 and the first marking position P1 (D1 > D2).

[0075] As described above, the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2 can be changed by changing the positions where the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 are disposed. That is, by changing the positions where the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 are disposed, the positions where the first mark and the second mark are provided can be changed.

[0076] Therefore, for example, a first mark can be applied to the first marking position P1 for the purpose of checking whether the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc. is appropriate when connecting piping. In addition, the positional relationship between the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2, such as the distance between the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2 (i.e., the difference between the first distance D1 and the second distance D2), can be set appropriately by the second device depending on the combination of the connected pipe to be marked and the connection object (for example, the fitting and / or equipment, etc.).

[0077] By setting the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2 as described above, for example, if a connected pipe with the first mark attached in an inappropriate position corresponding to connection to a connection object with different specifications as described above is misused, the positional relationship between the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2 will be different from the original positional relationship, so it will be possible to detect that the connected pipe with the first mark attached in an inappropriate position has been misused.

[0078] Therefore, according to the second device, even if the first mark is provided in an improper position that is deviated from the original first marking position as described above, if the connected pipe is inserted into the socket portion with an improper insertion amount during installation, the deviation of the first mark from the original first marking position is offset by the improper insertion amount, thereby reducing the possibility of incorrectly determining that the first mark is provided in the correct first marking position.As a result, according to the second device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of poor installation in pipe connections due to the misuse of a connected pipe with a first mark provided in an improper position.

[0079] In addition to the above, the second device also has various modifications, similar to the first device, and such modifications of the second device will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0080] <Variation 2-1> As described in the explanation of the first device according to Modifications 1-1 to 1-4, the first device according to the modifications can further include at least one means selected from the group consisting of a separation biasing means, a rotation operating means, a rotation limiting means, and a marking detecting means. Similarly to the first device, the second device according to Modification 2-1 can also further include at least one means selected from the group consisting of a separation biasing means, a rotation operating means, a rotation limiting means, and a marking detecting means.

[0081] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second device according to Modification 2-1. The second device 102c shown in Fig. 12 includes all of the separation biasing means 301, the rotation operating means 302, the rotation limiting means 303, and the marking detecting means 304. However, the second device 102c according to Modification 2-1 does not necessarily have to include all of the separation biasing means 301, the rotation operating means 302, the rotation limiting means 303, and the marking detecting means 304, and may further include at least one means selected from the group consisting of these means.

[0082] The configurations and functions of the separation biasing means 301, the rotation operating means 302, the rotation restricting means 303 and the marking detecting means 304 have already been described in detail in the explanation of the first device relating to variants 1-1 to 1-4, so further explanation will be omitted here.

[0083] <Variation 2-2> However, as is clear from the second device 102c illustrated in Figure 12, when first marker 124 and second marker 126 are arranged side by side on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of case 110, there is naturally a lower limit to the distance (α) between the marking area of ​​first marker 124 and the marking area of ​​second marker 126, due to, for example, the distance between the outer dimensions of each marker and the marking area (e.g., pen tip, etc.) and the distance between the two markers determined by the mechanism for attaching the marker to the other end 123 of arm 120.

[0084] Therefore, in the second device according to Modification 2-2, in order to further reduce the lower limit of the distance α between the marking portion of the first marker 124 and the marking portion of the second marker 126, the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 are not arranged side by side on a single straight line parallel to the axial direction of the case 110. In other words, in the second device according to Modification 2-2, the first marker 124 and the second marker 126 are arranged so that, in the marking state described above, the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2 are at different positions not only in the axial direction of the case 110 but also in the circumferential direction.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second device according to Modification 2-2. In a second device 102d shown in FIG. 13, the other end 123 of the arm 120 is inclined with respect to the axis AX of the case 110. Therefore, in the second device 102d, in the above-described marking state, the first marking position P1 and the second marking position P2 can be positioned at different positions not only in the axis AX of the case 110 but also in the circumferential direction of the case 110. As a result, with the second device 102d, the distance (β) in the axis AX direction between the marking portion 124m of the first marker 124 and the marking portion 126m of the second marker 126 attached to the other end 123 can be made smaller than when the other end 123 of the arm 120 is not inclined with respect to the axis AX of the case 110.

[0086] For the purpose of explaining the present invention, several embodiments and modifications having specific configurations have been described above, sometimes with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these exemplary embodiments and modifications, and it goes without saying that modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the matters described in the specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 101e...Pipe marking device (first embodiment) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d...Pipe marking device (second embodiment) 110…Case 111...Support part 112...Latching part 113...Guide part 120...Arm 121...Bend 122...one end 123...other end 124...First marker 124m...marking area 125...Receiving part 126...Second marker 126m…marking area 200…Connected pipe 301...Separation biasing means 302... Rotation operation means 302j...Spherical joint 302p...Spherical convex part 302r...spherical concave 303...Rotation limiting means 304...Marking detection means 304s...Proximity sensor 304c...Microcomputer AX...Case axis D1: First distance D2…Second distance P1: First marking position P2: Second marking position

Claims

1. A piping marking device that applies a first mark, which is a predetermined mark, to a first marking position, which is a position on an outer peripheral surface of a connected pipe that is a first distance away from an end face of the connected pipe, a cylindrical case with a bottom into which the connection pipe is slidably inserted; an L-shaped arm whose bending portion is pivotally supported by a support portion extending radially outward from the case so as to be rotatable within a plane parallel to the axial direction of the case; Equipped with One end of the arm is disposed inside the case through a hole provided in the case, a first marker, which is a means for applying the first mark, is attached to the other end of the arm; The connecting pipe is inserted into the case to a predetermined depth, and the tip of the connecting pipe presses the one end of the arm, causing the arm to rotate and achieving a marking state in which the first marker abuts against the first marking position on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe protruding from an opening at the end opposite the bottom of the case. Piping marking device.

2. 2. The piping marking device according to claim 1, a separation biasing means for urging the arm to rotate so that the first marker is separated from the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe; a rotation operation means that is provided on the case and is a member that is operated by a user of the piping marking device to manually rotate the connected pipe and the case relative to each other around the axis of the case; a rotation limiting means for limiting the rotation range of the arm (by being clamped between the case or the support part and the arm) to set a predetermined positional relationship between the tip of the first marker and the first marking position in the marking state; and a marking detection means for detecting whether the marking state has been achieved; Further comprising at least one means selected from the group consisting of: Piping marking device.

3. The piping marking device according to claim 1 or 2, In addition to the first marker, a second marker is attached to the other end of the arm, which is a means for applying a second mark, which is a predetermined mark, at a second marking position, which is a predetermined position away from the end face of the connected pipe by a second distance, which is a predetermined distance different from the first distance, in the axial direction of the case, The second marker is configured to abut against the second marking position in the marking state. Piping marking device.

4. 4. The piping marking device according to claim 3, the first marker and the second marker are arranged such that, in the marking state, the first marking position and the second marking position are different positions not only in the axial direction but also in the circumferential direction of the case. Piping marking device.

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